Comparison of Prevalence Data about Digital Eye Strain (DES), Pre-Lockdown versus Post-Lockdown Period in India: A Systematic Review Study

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this review study was to identify and synthesize evidence about the prevalence of digital eye strain (DES) before and after the lockdown period in India, the factor associated with it, and also create awareness or spread knowledge about the preventive measures for eye care from digital eye strain. Methodology: This systematic review was done in order to compare the available data of factors and prevalence of digital eye strain before and after the lockdown period. Studies, included in the review was targeted interventions towards the digital eye strain conducted before and after the lockdown period in Covid-19 era related to the current research objective. Results: Prevalence scores were recorded for comparative analysis. Fifteen studies out of 104 total studies that met the inclusion criteria had positive results. 36.9% (n=80) were using digital tasks >5 h in lockdown as compared to 1.8% (n =4) before lockdown in case of study-1, while in study-2, Typically, 93.6% of respondents reported an increase in their screen time since the lockdown was declared. Study-3 encompasses the prevalence of DES was 64.3% in pre-lockdown periods, while in case of study-4 among the 150 participants studied, the overall prevalence of DES (at least 1 symptom present) is 87.3%. Conclusion: This review provides evidence that Digital eye strain is a very common condition in this digital era, throughout this lockdown period, prevalence and uses of digital devices were increased. So, we should prevent from DES by utilizes the preventive measures resources and follows the few instructions/ guidelines throughout the uses of digital devices. Keywords: Digital eye strain (DES), Covid-19 pandemic, Lockdown, Asthenopia, Computer vision syndrome.

Computer vision syndrome and its determinants: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The pooled prevalence was in line with the study done in India COVID-19 pre-lockdown, 64.3%. 84 However, the pooled prevalence was lower than that in studies performed in India during the COVID-19 lockdown, 87.3%, 84 Europe, 90%, 85 and Ethiopia, 73.21%. 86 The difference might be due to differences in study period, study setting, socioeconomic differences, awareness and behavioral change on prevention of CVS.…”

“…These findings were in line with studies. 26 , 84 – 86 , 88 – 90 This might be because individuals who practice inappropriate positioning suffer from computer vision syndrome. 91 , 92 Moreover, an upwards or downwards view to see the computer leads to a higher risk of developing CVS.…”

“…These findings were in line with studies. 5 , 84 , 85 , 90 , 94 , 97 This might be the fact that computer-related health problems such as CVS and musculoskeletal disorders occur among prolonged computer users. 98 , 99…”

“…These findings were in line with studies. 84 , 85 , 88 – 90 , 97 , 100 This might be due to inappropriate positioning; exposure to the prolonged awkward posture of the trunk or torso, shoulder-upper arm, forearm-elbows, and wrist leads to extraocular CVS 91 , 92 . Moreover, not using an adjustable chair, height, and keyboards is associated with a higher risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders.…”

“…These findings were in line with studies. 5,84,85,90,94,97 This might be the fact that computer-related health problems such as CVS and musculoskeletal disorders occur among prolonged computer users. 98,99 The odds of CVS among study subjects who used short distance screen were 4.24 times more likely than study subjects who used long distance screen (OR = 4.24, 95% CI [2.33, 7.71]).…”